This action-packed live shot of Leon Russell performing ran in the April 7, 1973 issue of Billboard magazine. At this time, Russell would still be riding high on his 1972 Top 20 hit “Tight Rope.”
I’ve loved this song since I was about 6-years-old. Even though it’s the obvious choice to load up here, when was the last time you gave it a spin? Let’s do that now.
LEON RUSSELL, ‘TIGHT ROPE’ (1972)
Previously on Classic 70s Music Ads: WAR, ’11 Million Records’ (1974)
Here’s a batch of commercials from 1974 and ’75. In the premiere position, we have a spot for “Lemon Fresh” Joy dishwashing liquid with an actor (blue dress, red hair) who I’m pretty sure is Holland Taylor of Bosom Buddies fame.
Following that, take in spots for Shell Bugkillers, Alpo dog food (starring Patrick Wayne), and Viva paper towels. You’ll remember the “Viva Test” in this one. Please enjoy at your leisure.
‘LEMON FRESH’ JOY COMMERCIAL (1975)
‘Lemon Fresh’ Joy dishwashing liquid commercial featuring actor Holland Taylor as Joan. End narration by Casey Kasem. Spot aired Spring 1975.
SHELL BUGKILLERS COMMERCIAL (1975)
Shell Bugkillers insect spray commercial featuring ‘A Bug’s Point-of-View.’ Spot aired Spring 1975.
ALPO DOG FOOD COMMERCIAL (PATRICK WAYNE, 1974)
Alpo Beef Chunks dog food commercial featuring actor Patrick Wayne. Spot aired March 1974.
VIVA PAPER TOWELS COMMERCIAL (1974)
Viva paper towels commercial featuring “The Viva Test” with Mrs. Tina Gault and Mrs. Marjorie Mason. Spot aired October 1974.
Previously on 70s Commercials: Inchworm Toy, Reynolds Brown-In-Bag, Haley’s M-O, Gillette Trac II (1972-73)
More Joy: Daily 70s Spot: Joy liquid starring Bob from ‘Sesame Street’ (1977)
More Alpo: 70s Spots: Alpo Dog Food (Lorne Greene) & Meow Mix (1976)
In tribute to singer-guitarist Syl Johnson, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 85, we’re spinning “Back For A Taste Of Your Love.” In 1973, when the “Back For A Taste Of Your Love” single and album released, Johnson was on Hi Records, lablemates with Al Green. You can definitely hear some similarities to Green in style and production but Johnson has his own sweet thing going on as well.
“Back For A Taste Of Your Love” grabbed #72 on the US Hot 100 and #16 on the R&B Singles chart. It’s a good one. Spin it!
SYL JOHNSON, ‘BACK FOR A TASTE OF YOUR LOVE’ (1973)
Previously on Music for Monday: Steve Miller Band, ‘Rock’n Me’ (Live, 1976)
Apologies for the lack of updates the past two days. I’ve been experiencing a temporary medical thing. It’s not a life threatening situation and I should be fine by Monday. However, it has kept me away from the keyboard. But, enough of my yakkin’, let’s get to the commercials!
Today’s batch of spots first aired in 1972 and ’73. You can enjoy Romper Room’s Inchworm riding toy, Reynolds Brown-In-Bag cooking bags, Haley’s M-O laxative, and the Gillette Trac II razor. Have a splendid weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday.
INCHWORM RIDING TOY COMMERCIAL (ROMPER ROOM, 1972)
Hasbro-Romper Room Inchworm riding toy commercial featuring an “Inchworm” jingle. Spot aired in 1972 (best guess based on research, but could be 1971-73).
REYNOLDS BROWN-IN-BAG COMMERCIAL (1972)
Reynolds Brown-In-Bag commercial offering recipes in every box. Spot aired October 1972.
HALEY’S M-O COMMERCIAL (1973)
Haley’s M-O flavored laxative antacid lubricant commercial featuring friends at a needlepoint class. Narrator is likely Fred Collins. Spot aired October 1973.
GILLETTE ‘FIRST RAZOR WITH TWO BLADES’ COMMERCIAL (1973)
Gillette Trac II commercial with a comparison to a single blade razor. Spot aired October 1973.
Previously on 70s Commercials: Kraft Mayonnaise, Alpha-Bits, Friskies Buffet, Dodge Aspen (1979)
More Romper Room Toys: 70s Spots: Weebles Circus (1977) & My Sleepy Baby Doll (1979)
More Reynolds: 70s Spots: Reynolds Wrap & Behold Polish (1978)
More Gillette: Daily 70s Spot #416, 417: Gillette & Schick Shaving Systems (1974)
Our ancient but attractive advertisements today are all circa 1979. You can spy spots for Kraft Real Mayonnaise, Post Alpha-Bits cereal, Friskies Buffet cat food, and the 1980 Dodge Aspen. Roll ’em!
KRAFT REAL MAYONNAISE COMMERCIAL (1979)
Kraft Real Mayonnaise commercial featuring a label being painted on an egg. Spot aired April 1979.
ALPHA-BITS CEREAL ‘SWIMMING’ COMMERCIAL (1979)
Post Alpha-Bits cereal commercial featuring swimming instructor Cathy Tiano and family. Spot aired in 1979.
FRISKIES BUFFET ‘SALMON’ CAT FOOD COMMERCIAL (1979)
Friskies Buffet cat food commercial featuring salmon varieties. Spot aired March 1979.
’80 DODGE ASPEN ‘HIDDEN CAMERA’ COMMERCIAL (1979)
1980 model Dodge Aspen hidden camera commercial. Spot aired October 1979.
Previously on 70s Commercials: United Airlines, Gaines Burgers, Wilson Tennis, Miller Lite (1977-78)
More Kraft: 70s Commercials: Kraft Mac & Cheese, Howard Cosell, Leggy Dolls (1971-72)
More Alpha-Bits: 70s Spots: Carnation, Sanka, Cocoa Pebbles & Alpha-Bits (1973-79)
More Friskies: Daily 70s Ad: Friskies ‘Kissing Pets’ (1971)
More Dodge: 70s Spots: Honda Civic & Dodge Colt (1976)
You’ve heard Steve Miller Band’s “Rock’n Me” many times, but possibly not like this. Here we have a live performance of the tune filmed in a studio and aired on Europe’s TopPop in December of 1976.
“Rock’n Me” was written by Steve Miller and originally appeared on the Fly Like An Eagle LP in the spring of ’76. This classic rock staple hit #1 on the US Hot 100 and #11 in the UK.
STEVE MILLER BAND, ‘ROCK’N ME’ (LIVE, 1976)
Previously on Music for Monday: Anita Ward, ‘Ring My Bell’ (1979)